GREENVILLE, Ky. (4/25/13) – Tuesday, April 30th, is opening day for the Muhlenberg Pain Management Center...a new service of Muhlenberg Community Hospital.

A ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday at noon.

Julie Simms, Director of the Muhlenberg Surgery Center and the Muhlenberg Pain Management Center, said the new center will be "located on what was the OB floor. We've totally renovated that. We are already booked solid for the first 2 weeks of client days. We're excited about starting."

Simms adds that the new center's doctor has over 12 years’ experience in the field of pain management" along with experience in other areas.

Dr. Rasheed is Board Certified in Pain Management and Anesthesia, with residency in Anesthesia and Neurology at the University of Kentucky, and a fellowship in Pain Management at the University of Kentucky.

Simms stressed that Rasheed will be performing a large number of the latest procedures to deal with pain, including pain blocks and pain pumps, along with many other procedures.

"He will be requiring that our patients sign a contract with us, that they will only get their pain medicine through Dr. Rasheed. That means they can't go from physician to physician. We are starting out with two RNs and two receptionists." Simms said.

She said the reception from area doctors has been very positive.

"We've talked to the doctors throughout the county and surrounding counties, and had a warm reception from everyone. This will help take some of the pressure off of general practitioners to handle your other health problems. We've already had patients calling who have had to drive to Paducah wanting to transfer here because it's so much closer. We do accept self-referrals, but once you come in on your own, we will require you to secure a primary care physician." Simms added, noting that as the center brings more new patients to the hospital "this is also going to help as far as sending referrals for physical therapy, x-rays, lab work, and other departments so this will also help the hospital as well."

Hours will be on Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesday 8am to 3:30pm.